Welcome to Mrs. Thompson’s 4th Grade ACE class!

I am really excited about the upcoming year. I am sure it will be a good one. The following is a brief description of the units that we will be studying this year, time permitting.

Continue Independent Study Unit during 1st month

First Complete Unit Title: Crime Lab Chemistry—Are You an ACE Detective?
This unit will to broaden students’ thinking and provide them with several interesting chemistry-related activities and challenges. As forensic scientists, students will examine and classify fingerprints and learn about chromatography. They will develop deductive thinking skills as they learn to solve a variety of logic problems. This unit draws upon students’ interest in and enthusiasm for solving mysteries to convey important scientific concepts, methods, and techniques. Students will solve a “murder” investigation and take the accused to trial.


Second Unit Title: Coding

Knowing how to code is so important in today’s world. In this unit, students will be

introduced to computer programming by creating programs to solve problems and develop

interactive games or stories they can share.


Third Unit Title: Roller Coaster Physics
Students will learn about physics, especially Newton’s Laws of Motion. These concepts will be used to create roller coasters and eventually a classroom amusement park.

OR

Third Unit Title: BizWorld (?)
People start businesses every day, but how do they succeed? In BizWorld, students will understand what it means to be an entrepreneur. In this project, students work in teams to form friendship bracelet companies. The companies will design, manufacture, market and finally sell their bracelets at the Sales Bazaar

Creative thinking, logic, creative writing, and other activities involving the use of higher order thinking skills will be interspersed throughout the year.

Supplies that your child will need are the following:

  • A three-ring binder
  • Dividers
  • Loose leaf paper
  • Pencils
  • Small flash drive
  • If possible, a $5-$10 donation would be greatly appreciated.

Other supplies may be needed throughout the year. I will let you know if the need arises.

I am looking forward to a great year!



(last updated 09/23/2015)